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My brand new Orion Skyview Pro...in pieces! It was a brand new floor model. When I got it I found the RA axis seized. Normally I'd return something that doesn't work for a new one, but I had read that giving these mounts an overhaul does wonders for its operation, and I'm the type of person that would perform such a task.

The RA axle and worm (the seized parts) are going to be repaired by the seller, and with the removal of the old gunk, deburring of the worm, good grease, and a careful adjustment, it should actually be better than new, so I'm not terribly upset at the moment...but check back in a couple weeks when the axle get back

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Here's my old home-mde mount for my 12"cass. It's been going for 14 years with only 1 change of stepper motor. The drive program used is Mel's "Scope" (I use only 1 channel as the dec is driven by a small dc motor.

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Here's a picture of my LX200 10 SCT with the fork mount and then on an Atlas EQ-G, and my wide field setup on the EQ-G. I decided to take the 10" sct off the fork mount so that I could switch easily between scopes for astrophotography.

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Got a new CGEM last week, but last night was first clear skies to give it a trial. Worked great! Aligned it roughly north - did the 2 + 4 alignment, then the polar alignment routine on Arcturus. Everything was spot on. Imaged M53 - it was close to the meridian so I could check out the tracking across the meridian.

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I'm refurbishing my 10" newt (Orion) and I'm trying to decide if I should repurpose my Atlas from primary use with my refractors and CATs to an equatorial for the 10" newt. My viewing is from the SE to SW, not that great of an arc. Do you find the 10" comfortable to use on the Atlas, or is it a bit of pain?

That is actually the 8" newt, not the 10". That said, I have no issues with it. The dovetail bar on top helps alot, it is a very good carry handle and also gives someplace to grab while putting it on and taking it off. I have mounted my camera & 500mm lens on top of the 8" on the top dovetail bar and the Atlas seemed to handle it fine.

My iOptron Mini Tower on an EQ wedge with a 1975 C8 w/ Moonlight two speed focuser, 8 x 50 finder and sliding CW. All held in place on a Losmandy D style dovetail and saddle plate. Note the new and larger CW shaft to allow use of the Losmandy CW!!